Hokkaido, a region known for its premium seafood products, is gearing up to host the “Hokkaido Japan Seafood Fair” in California from January 22 to 28. This event, which has been an annual tradition since 2021, will be held in Torrance, a city in the southern part of Los Angeles County. The fair will showcase around 20 products from six Hokkaido-based companies, aiming to captivate the US market with their high-quality offerings.
One of the highlights of this year’s fair is the frozen scallop meat, which has been gaining popularity in the US market. Additionally, attendees can look forward to experiencing salt-cured autumn chum salmon and premium salmon roe. The fair will also feature wild yellowtail and black flounder prepared in koji seasoning, making them perfect for a variety of dishes such as meuniere or for inclusion in ready-to-eat meals and bento boxes.
This event is part of Hokkaido’s “Seafood Export Expansion Promotion Project,” which aims to diversify export destinations and product offerings while transitioning from raw material exports to high-value-added products. The results from the 2023 fair were impressive, with sales totaling $11,378 from 575 items sold over the week-long event, according to a report from Hokkaido officials.
In addition to the US market, Hokkaido has also been expanding its seafood sales in Taiwan and Hong Kong during the 2024 fiscal year. Utilizing retail outlets and online platforms, the region has been able to reach consumers in these markets successfully. Looking ahead, Hokkaido plans to host a live surf clam and oyster exhibition and business meeting in Singapore in early March, with a focus on leveraging social media to promote this initiative and strengthen its presence in the global seafood market.
The “Hokkaido Japan Seafood Fair” serves as a platform for Hokkaido-based companies to showcase their premium seafood products to the US market, with the goal of expanding their reach and increasing sales. By participating in events like this, Hokkaido is able to highlight the quality and diversity of its seafood offerings, attracting the attention of international buyers and consumers.
As part of its efforts to promote seafood exports, Hokkaido is focused on developing high-value-added products that cater to the preferences of different markets. By diversifying their product offerings and export destinations, Hokkaido aims to establish itself as a key player in the global seafood industry and strengthen its position as a leading supplier of premium seafood products.
In conclusion, the “Hokkaido Japan Seafood Fair” is a testament to Hokkaido’s commitment to promoting its premium seafood products on the international stage. Through events like this, Hokkaido is able to showcase the quality and diversity of its seafood offerings, attracting the attention of buyers and consumers from around the world. With a focus on expanding its reach and increasing sales, Hokkaido is well-positioned to continue making a mark in the global seafood market for years to come.